High-profile Michigan Democrats were noticeably absent from President Biden's rally in Detroit following his recent NATO press conference, signaling potential divides within the party.

The absences from key Michigan Democrats and subtle criticisms hint at internal struggles as the party -- and Biden -- navigates the 2024 election cycle.

Biden held the rally at Detroit's Renaissance High School, aiming to energize supporters in this crucial swing state.

Despite the rally's importance, notable Democratic figures, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, were not present. Instead, Whitmer attended the Sun Valley Conference in Idaho, an event attracting global business and political leaders.

Top Democrats Absent, Some Show Support

Although some key figures were missing, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan were in attendance. Their presence, however, did not fully compensate for the absences of other influential politicians.

Notably missing from the rally were Democratic congressional candidates Curtis Hertel Jr. and Rep. Elissa Slotkin. Slotkin, who is running for a Senate seat, has subtly criticized Biden’s leadership. She hinted that her campaign was possible because Sen. Debbie Stabenow had decided to "pass the torch," illustrating a shift in Democratic power dynamics.

Sen. Gary Peters, despite expressing confidence that Biden could win over former President Donald Trump, also opted out of attending the event. Biden's rally faced additional scrutiny when State Attorney General Dana Nessel implied through a cryptic tweet that Biden should consider stepping down, likening it to soccer player Alex Morgan’s acceptance of being sidelined for the Olympics.

Speakers Sidestep Direct Endorsement

At the rally, none of the speakers offered direct endorsements for Biden. They instead focused on more general motivational slogans, such as “Vote for Democracy” and “Vote for Freedom.” This careful wording may reflect the broader hesitation among some party members to wholeheartedly back Biden as the 2024 election approaches.

Despite the absences and cautious language, some attendees expressed optimism about Biden’s performance. One attendee, Akil, voiced that Biden needed to focus more on issues impacting everyday lives, particularly jobs and families. Another attendee, Asher, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of Biden's policies on family and home improvement.

However, the sentiment was not unanimously positive. George Evans, a fervent supporter, exclaimed his explicit support for Biden, calling him the "only choice for working Americans" and dismissed other options harshly.

Anti-Israel Protests Erupt

Outside the event, Biden faced protests from anti-Israel activists who were unhappy with his policies toward Israel. The protests even disrupted the rally, with a protester interrupting Biden's speech by chanting "Free Palestine" and accusing Biden of complicit violence. This interruption underscored the growing tensions regarding U.S. foreign policy within a segment of his base.

The atmosphere at the rally also revealed substantial anti-Trump sentiment among the attendees, which Biden’s supporters rallied around.

However, the lack of a unanimous and enthusiastic endorsement for Biden from major Democratic figures could signal deeper issues within the party.

President Biden’s performance at the rally was seen more favorably by some compared to his debate. Nevertheless, the notable absence of prominent Michigan Democrats points to an undercurrent of uncertainty and differing views on the direction of the party and Biden's leadership.

Future Implications for 2024 Election

Biden's rally in Detroit highlights the complexities facing the Democratic party as they gear up for the 2024 election. The absence of key Michigan Democrats, combined with subtle critiques and the lack of direct endorsements at the rally, indicates a struggle for cohesion within the party.

The mixed feedback from attendees and the anti-Israel protests further complicate the narrative surrounding Biden’s campaign and policies. The Democratic party must address these divisions and unify their strategy as the election cycle progresses if they hope to secure a win.

Meanwhile, the ongoing anti-Trump sentiment remains a rallying point for many Biden supporters. It will be essential for Biden to address economic and social issues affecting everyday Americans, as highlighted by attendees, to bolster his appeal.

In conclusion, President Biden’s rally in Detroit underscored the internal tensions within the Democratic party. With key figures absent and varying opinions on his leadership, the party faces significant challenges in presenting a united front for the 2024 election. How the Democrats navigate this critical period could determine their success in the upcoming election.